Take 2: Utah leaders' DC trip, GOP Convention, Big Beautiful Bill, Biden cancer disgnosis

Host: Heidi Hatch, KUTV 2 News
Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; Greg Hughes, KNRS host and former Utah House Speaker

This week’s Take 2 Podcast tackled key political moves from Utah leaders in Washington, updates from the state GOP convention, and national headlines with potential local ripple effects.

Utah Leaders in D.C.

Several Utah sheriffs traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with the Trump administration focused on illegal immigration. Their visit follows growing concern among law enforcement over border-related impacts felt even in interior states like Utah.

House Speaker Mike Schultz was also in the capital, attending the unveiling of Secretary Kennedy’s new policy initiative targeting chronic disease. The plan centers on prevention and long-term health strategies and is expected to influence future state-level health programs.

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown made a visit to the U.S.–Mexico border, highlighting his focus on border security and fentanyl trafficking. Brown has prioritized multi-state coordination with southern border states and has supported federal enforcement efforts.

Utah GOP Convention

At the Utah GOP Convention, Robert Axson retained his position as party chair, while Rep. Phil Lyman, ultimately backed the party leadership.

Congress and Public Lands

Utah lawmakers were closely watching Congress as it stripped a proposed amendment that would have allowed sell-offs of public land from a broader budget package. Public land policy remains a sensitive issue in Utah, where federal ownership dominates the landscape.

The House passed a sweeping funding bill — dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” — which now heads to the Senate. Lawmakers must decide whether to take it up immediately or push it closer to the next deadline crunch.

Gov. Cox on Housing

Governor Spencer Cox reiterated his support for high-density housing as a way to combat rising home prices. He continues urging cities to loosen zoning restrictions, despite opposition from some local governments and residents.

Biden Diagnosed with Cancer

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to a statement from his medical team. The news comes as a new book, Original Sin, claims Biden once concealed his son Beau’s cancer diagnosis while serving as Delaware's attorney general.

Catch the full conversation on this week’s Take 2 Podcast, available wherever you stream your shows.

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